waiting for your little to arrive?
Did you know there are more than the typical 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester."
For me, to be honest, I didn't know what to expect at all. Especially with my first baby. Not only was I young but our family didn't live close since we are a military family. You read all the books and research what you can, but that doesn't always help. Sometimes it's just scarier, LOL!!!!
I definitely had no idea there was a “4th trimester” until after I’d had 2 babies and was glad to figure it out at that point, LOL!!
I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also a few local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, newborn and birth in Rapid City.
First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy
The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand.
Not to brag, but I didn't really experience morning sickness with any of my babies. But, guys my nail lady has been sick her entire pregnancy pretty much. She has only been coming in for appointments and then goes home. She only has a little longer to go but I can't imagine being sick all 9 months!!! She is a superhero – minus the cool cape! I can't imagine what all the smells in a nail salon do.
But a little hint for you guys: She was heavily applying peppermint oil during our fill appointments ;)
If you're experiencing morning sickness that causes you to be non-functional in any way, it's probably a good idea to reach out to your midwife or obstetrician.
Second Trimester: The Golden Age
For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience.
This is when most people share their special news with the world. You can start feeling baby move and I think the fact that you're growing an actual human becomes more real! You can start shopping for cute maternity clothes since you're bump has probably gotten a little more obvious. Personally, I'm a little sad every time I walk past the maternity section in Target. They didn't have the cute little outfits that I've seen there, back when I was pregnant! LOl!! Most people are shopping online these days for maternity clothes I imagine. Rapid City doesn't really offer a specialty store anymore. Motherhood used to be in our mall but has been closed for a good while!
Kohl's, Target, or Old Navy might be good places to check for some maternity clothing cuteness locally though!
Shops like Motherhood or Pink Blush have some really cute things if you're shopping online!
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition.
The Nursery
I think that might have been the part of pregnancy that made me feel the most productive. I mean getting the room ready was the most fun kind of decorating project for me ever. My first daughter's nursery was done in primary colored Winnie the Pooh. Our son was a baby blue with airplanes. And our third baby, she had Beatrix Potter's bunnies. Boy, sometimes I really miss those days now.
I feel like getting the nursery ready helps you pass time. The waiting that last few months and weeks was the hardest for me.
Rapid City also has Doula services!
Guys! Twice I have been in a labor room when the momma had hired a doula to be a part of her birth team. This is definitely worth looking into in my opinion. It was amazing to watch them work with the laboring mommas. They offered support and were able to read the situation to give the momma exactly what she needed at that time. They are great advocates for what a momma wants and needs.
Rapid city has a few great doula services, check out Vintage *Doula to see what they can offer families.
Birth: The Main Event
The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're planning a natural birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional! It doesn't matter if you're a first time mom or you're waiting on the 10th baby! Every time the anticipation and excitement is just as big!
Seeing your brand new little for the first time is special. There are no words. If you want more details on birth, make sure to check out this blog post all about Birth Beyond Basics: 7 Secrets for a More Comfortable Delivery. Of course, these are moments you’ll always want to remember (even if things don’t go perfectly according to plan).
Hiring a birth photographer is something I’ve never heard anyone say they regret!
You can check out my Birth Photography page HERE and my Birth Portfolio HERE!
I would absolutely love to chat with you about what an important addition a birth photographer can be to your birth team!
The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You
Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.
I want to touch on a subject that really does need to be brought to light! PPD! Peeps!!!! It's real and it's hard. I don't think many people knew, but I did go through post-partum depression when I had our first daughter. I didn't know what it was or that something was just not right. I didn't know I was different. My husband noticed I wasn't me, but he didn't know why or what was happening. It wasn't until later when we had more babies and PPD became more commonly talked about that we had that "a-ha" moment. The "this is what was probably going on with me" moment. Ask for help if you need it or are struggling. There are mommas that are struggling right along side of you. They understand.
If you think PPD is something you need more info on, reach out to your midwife or obstetrician and they can help you find a support group or offer more resources to get you through it! It wasn't something people talked about when I had it and it definitely should be. Not only are we adjusting to sleepless nights and exhaustion of parenting a brand new human, but our hormones are all over the place!!!
Of course, every journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.
Thanks for reading! I hope this blog has offered even just a tid bit of help.
I'd love to capture your moments for you from bump to baby or just one of the occasions in between!!! Message me in the link below and let's chat!!!
Until next time!
